bostonzest

Tag: Back Bay

  • BostonZest Take on Some 2016 Local Food Trends

    In her January 5, 2016, Fresh & Local food column, Penny wrote about some of the food trends we thought we'd see strengthening in our area this year. 

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    Do you remember early bowl pioneer "Jack and the Bean Bowl" back in 2009?

    More Food in Bowls!

    Bowls filled with ramen, vegetables, grains, noodles, and soups will grow in importance on restaurant, food truck, and take out menus. Part of this trend is due to our growing acceptance of authentic ethnic cuisines. The need for gluten-free (GF) menu items has restaurants offering the GF-safe ingredients from something like a burrito in a bowl rather than a wrap.

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    Here's one of our favorite bowls of Bun Thit Nuong from Pho Basil. (More on that dish here.)

    In addition, many of these bowls contain warm, filling, comfort foods from the cultures where they originated and we quickly grow to love them for the same reason.

    We were thrilled when we saw that the food minds over at the Globe agreed with us by publishing a simultaneous prediction!

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    Rumanian Pastrami from Sam LaGrassa's (More on this here.)

    Good Deli Options

    "What the Back Bay needs is a good deli," we hear this from neighbors all the time. We try to explain that the economics of rents in this neighborhood is probably going to prevent that from happening, but we do think we will have more great delicatessens popping up around the area.

    And this new version of the old deli features high quality, often house-made meats, and prepared foods. This trend was started in Waltham by Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions. We are thrilled to learn that we will be able to sample their wares from shared space within the new Gordon's Boston store in Downtown Crossing.

    While for us a deli sandwich is an occasional treat, we do have a few old favorites. Sam LaGrassa's is always on our list of recommendations for visitors. If we're in Coolidge Corner, we'll pick up sandwiches from Michael's Deli.

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    Tacos filled with lamb in barbacoa sauce from Tenoch Mexican Taqueria. (More photos here.)

    Regional Mexican Food

    A second national trend that seems to be slowly appearing in Boston is restaurants offering authentic, regional Mexican cuisines like our much loved Angela’s Cafe in East Boston and the small local Tenoch Mexican Taqueria restaurants and food cart. 

    In December, we learned that Angela's is opening a second location in Orient Heights much closer to transit. Getting there without a car has limited our visits to the original place. 

    What are you seeing in the world of local food that makes you smile? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

    We have a few more trends to talk about and will link to that post when it is published. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2009-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Tenoch Mexican Restaurants & Food Truck
    Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

  • BostonZest Take on Some 2016 Local Food Trends

    In her January 5, 2016, Fresh & Local food column, Penny wrote about some of the food trends we thought we'd see strengthening in our area this year. 

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401156ff07fc8970c-800wi

    Do you remember early bowl pioneer "Jack and the Bean Bowl" back in 2009?

    More Food in Bowls!

    Bowls filled with ramen, vegetables, grains, noodles, and soups will grow in importance on restaurant, food truck, and take out menus. Part of this trend is due to our growing acceptance of authentic ethnic cuisines. The need for gluten-free (GF) menu items has restaurants offering the GF-safe ingredients from something like a burrito in a bowl rather than a wrap.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d1393072970c-800wi

    Here's one of our favorite bowls of Bun Thit Nuong from Pho Basil. (More on that dish here.)

    In addition, many of these bowls contain warm, filling, comfort foods from the cultures where they originated and we quickly grow to love them for the same reason.

    We were thrilled when we saw that the food minds over at the Globe agreed with us by publishing a simultaneous prediction!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016300570e97970d-800wi

    Rumanian Pastrami from Sam LaGrassa's (More on this here.)

    Good Deli Options

    "What the Back Bay needs is a good deli," we hear this from neighbors all the time. We try to explain that the economics of rents in this neighborhood is probably going to prevent that from happening, but we do think we will have more great delicatessens popping up around the area.

    And this new version of the old deli features high quality, often house-made meats, and prepared foods. This trend was started in Waltham by Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions. We are thrilled to learn that we will be able to sample their wares from shared space within the new Gordon's Boston store in Downtown Crossing.

    While for us a deli sandwich is an occasional treat, we do have a few old favorites. Sam LaGrassa's is always on our list of recommendations for visitors. If we're in Coolidge Corner, we'll pick up sandwiches from Michael's Deli.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd0c549d970b-800wi

    Tacos filled with lamb in barbacoa sauce from Tenoch Mexican Taqueria. (More photos here.)

    Regional Mexican Food

    A second national trend that seems to be slowly appearing in Boston is restaurants offering authentic, regional Mexican cuisines like our much loved Angela’s Cafe in East Boston and the small local Tenoch Mexican Taqueria restaurants and food cart. 

    In December, we learned that Angela's is opening a second location in Orient Heights much closer to transit. Getting there without a car has limited our visits to the original place. 

    What are you seeing in the world of local food that makes you smile? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

    We have a few more trends to talk about and will link to that post when it is published. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2009-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Tenoch Mexican Restaurants & Food Truck
    Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

  • What’s You Favorite Topping for Toast?

    We've been asking a lot of friends this question lately because Penny was researching background for an article on toast and the topic ran away with her. There is so much to say about toast that we may very well dedicate this winter to exploring toast options. 

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    We've already shared our love for things on toast on BostonZest over the years. Above, you have the photo from our impromptu creation of Bacon, Parsley & Tomato Bites one evening. 

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    In September, we told you about Select Oyster Bar's Black Mission Fig Tartinettes with Smoked RI Bluefish. Knowing our love for toasty things, the kitchen sent us a taste of a tangy tuna on toast this week. We hope it makes the menu because it was another delicious bite. 

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    During local tomato season, you'll find us topping toast with tomatoes in one form or another. 

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    Sometimes the toast is on top of things like these focaccia croutons. 

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    Then, there are times when we toast the bread around a filling like this Pain D’Avignon Cheese Bread Grilled Cheese.

    Now it's your turn.

    What do you love on toast, under toast, or inside toast?

    What's your quick toast breakfast, lunch, snack, or supper? 

    Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we may include your favorites in an upcoming post on toast!

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©-2008-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Blue Tape for Marking First-In First-Out Produce
    Coming Home with Full Bags from the Copley Farmers Market
    Fresh & Local August Tomatoes: Our Recipe & Tips Round Up
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

  • Not So Charming Back Bay Centerpiece

    This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. 

    IMG_8938 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table. 

    IMG_8939 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.

    And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.

    For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.

    Help to Quit Smoking

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Back Bay Houses (.Org) Expands and Wins a Preservation Award.
    Then & Now: Icicles in Boston Plus How & When They Form
    Snow Drops, Crocus & Daffodils Popping Up in the Back Bay

  • Not So Charming Back Bay Centerpiece

    This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. 

    IMG_8938 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table. 

    IMG_8939 - Version 22015-11-26-pail-cigarette-butts-centerpiece-table-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.

    And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.

    For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.

    Help to Quit Smoking

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Back Bay Houses (.Org) Expands and Wins a Preservation Award.
    Then & Now: Icicles in Boston Plus How & When They Form
    Snow Drops, Crocus & Daffodils Popping Up in the Back Bay

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: iStockphoto

  • Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

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    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

    Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.

    Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

    Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill 

    The Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

    We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices. 

     Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look
    Keep Supporting Local Restaurants Like Piattini on Newbury Street

  • Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b0095cbcf970c-500wi

    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

    Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.

    Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

    Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill 

    The Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

    We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices. 

     Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look
    Keep Supporting Local Restaurants Like Piattini on Newbury Street

  • Walking Zeus Is Good for the Park

    The first time we spotted Zeus on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, it was in the middle of our dreadful winter. He was trotting along beside his person who was filling a shopping bag with litter in a manner that would have made Michael Dukakis smile. 

    DSC_6772 - Version 22015-09-07-boston- zeus-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Yes, Zeus, you and yours made a great, first impression.

    DSC_6762 - Version 22015-09-07-boston- zeus-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Back then, this 10-year-old was a bit unsure of his place in the big city. It took him a few months before he settled in and became a full-fledged Back Bay dog. 

    DSC_6766 - Version 22015-09-07-boston- zeus-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Now you may even spot him taking a catnap under a shady tree while his person chats with the rest of his dog posse.

    Glad you came to our neighborhood, Zeus. We love dog people who pick up not only after their dogs, but also after litterbugs. See you in the park.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

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